This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) will offer the participants an introduction into the most important classical sociological readings between the 18th and 20th century. Highly influential social science scholars, such as Karl Marx, Max Weber and Emile Durkheim, will be discussed during 8 sessions. Combined with small tests, based on the video’s and recommended readings, the participants will be encouraged to dive deeply into the complex texts and get familiar with classical sociological concepts that are still very relevant today.

EB

Great course, absolutely loved the teacher and his passion and how he explains difficult notions with so much ease. I would definitely recommend this course, it is a great first look into sociology.

KK

Aug 27, 2017

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i began this class to review more of de Tocqueville and still have not had time to do so; however, i still prefer TocQ to all of these other thinkers. Wonderful experience... thank so much!!! <3

From the lesson

Session 7: Max Weber (1864-1920)

This week shines a light on the work of Max Weber. From social action, verstehen, and ideal types to rationalisation and his famous work on the Protestant Ethic. Weber's theory of society tried to account for the manner in which various symbolic factors take part in establishing social status, stratification and inequality. His influence still runs throughout the realms of politics, religion and economics.

Taught By

Bart van Heerikhuizen

Dr.

Transcript

When person A tells person B what to do and B does it because A is pointing a gun at his head. Then, it is clear that A has power over B. This is a case of [FOREIGN]. But when A is not threatening B and yet, B is doing everything that A has asked him to do, and B adds that it is only good and right that A is ordering him around, then A has authority over B. It's a matter not of [FOREIGN] but of [FOREIGN]. Weber is intrigued by the way in which raw and brutal power is transformed, over time, into legitimated authority. And now will come as no surprise that Weber presents here a list of ideal types of authority. The only surprise maybe, that this time it's not a four fold division, but a three fold division. But the three ideal types of authority are clearly related to the four types of social action. As you will see. Let us begin with the most famous one, charismatic authority. Max Weber here uses a word that a professor of theology had borrowed from a Biblical text. And had employed to point at certain historical phenomenon. Now, Weber gives it broader meaning. And you can say that, he is the man who gave us the word charisma. Weber says, that charismatic authority is founded on the belief in the extraordinary devotion, the holiness, the heroic powers, or the exemplary lifestyle of the leader. This religious or political leader is perceived to be superior to ordinary human beings. He, or sometimes she, is somebody, who's extraordinary qualities, demand our obedience. That is the oldest type of authority between human beings. There is, of course, a clear link here between charismatic authority and affective social action. The second type of authority that has been more modern is the [FOREIGN] of traditional social action and it is called traditional authority. People willingly obey somebody because they believe in the holiness of the ancient traditions and in the legitimacy of those who are called by those traditions to rule. I live in the Netherlands. And although this is a constitutional monarchy. And the royal family enjoys a strictly bounded kind of authority. There are many people in this country. You can find them especially in the Protestant churches, who believe that the inhabitants of these low countries, must be governed by the members of the family of Orange, because that is the family that has been ordained by God to rule over us, the Dutch. The third and most modern ideal type of authority is Rational-Legal Authority. When I ride my bicycle and the police woman gave me a ticket on the spot because the red rear light at the backside of my bike doesn't work, I do not protest. I completely and whole-heartedly accept her authority. Under the given circumstances, she is the competent official, this is her job. And she is authorized to give me a fine. I do not think that she has any charismatic qualities. I do not obey because the holy tradition instructs me to obey her. This is simply a matter of her being the official that we have given this task of enforcing the law. Once again, this is an ideal typical classification. In reality, we come across all kinds of interesting mixtures. For example, in Dutch politics, we see a rational-legal authority all over the place. Of course, some modern nation state. But like I said, there are some elements of traditionalism, and some of our politicians may even profit from a certain degree of charisma. But, the general direction is clear. The realm of rational-legal authority is increasing, and the realm of traditional and charismatic authority, seems to dwindle away, but there is an important exception here. Charismatic authority is the oldest type. But all through history, it had its comebacks, especially in times of crisis. When many people are disoriented and scared and looking out for someone who may lead them out of the chaos, then all of a sudden, the seemingly old fashioned type of charismatic authority may unexpectedly return. And this is possible even in high modernity. As can be illustrated by such political personalities as John F. Kennedy or Nelson Mandela.

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